Kilby closing in on league title
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Opener we can continue in the same vein hopefully that’s enough to get us over the line.”
In a tight first half it took East Kilbride until the stroke of half-time to break the deadlock.
Gibbons fired at goal and McNeil was on hand to divert the ball into the net amidst a goalmouth melee on a heavy pitch.
With their noses in front Kilby came out at the start of the second half aiming to consolidate their position and introduced new signing Russell McLean, from Hearts, to replace Joao Victoria after he picked up a knock.
But Star almost equalised ten minutes into the second half when Joe Slattery burst forward and brought out a great save from Kilby keeper Jacob Kean.
That proved crucial as the visitors doubled their advantage on the hour mark.
Scott Stevenson’s through ball picked out McNeil. who kept his composure to slot the ball beyond Star keeper Vinnie Parker.
Kilby made sure of their 18th win in 20 league games 12 minutes from time. From a corner kick Adam Strachan spotted Kieran Gibbons unmarked at the edge of the box and the midfielder fired a powerful, firsttime strike into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
Lauchlan said: “It was a very professional performance.
“The pitch wasn’t in the best condition and it was quite heavy at times but we handled that well.
“Dalbeattie is one of the toughest places to go in this league and I’m glad we came through it with the win.”
This weekend East Kilbride turn their attention to their East of Scotland Cup defence.
They host Spartans, the side who ended their 30-game winning streak in November, in a semi-final clash on Saturday.
Lauchlan said: “This is our trophy and we want to hold on to it.
“Spartans are a very good side and one of the best teams we’ve faced this season so we know it’s going to be difficult.
“There will be a bit of added spice to the match with what’s happened this season, but I think a goal either way is going to decide it.
“Hopefully our quality shines through.”
Kick-off at K-Park is at 3pm.
P W EAST KILBRIDE 20 18 East Stirlingshire 20 14 Spartans 20 14 Dalbeattie Star 22 10 Cumbernauld Colts 19 8 Stirling University 21 8 BSC Glasgow 21 8 Whitehill Welfare 18 9 Gretna 2008 20 8 Gala Fairydean Rvs 19 7 CivilServiceStrollers 20 6 Vale of Leithen 20 6 Hawick Royal Albert 18 6 Edinburgh Uni 18 4 Selkirk 20 4 Preston Athletic 20 4 D 0 3 2 3 6 5 4 1 3 4 5 3 1 6 1 1 L 2 3 4 9 5 8 9 8 9 8 9 11 11 8 15 15 GD PT 50 54 48 45 35 44 2 33 5 30 -6 29 1 28 -4 28 -15 27 -15 25 -12 23 -12 21 -11 19 -4 18 -25 13 -37 13